Suggest Treatment For Burns In Lower Esophagus When Diagnosed With Acid Reflux

Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2015

Question: Hi I was smoking for only two months using a small glass pipe and it burned my lower esophogus behind my breast bone. I stopped smoking and this is the only 2 month period I ever smoked in my life. I am sure I inhaled something that was too hot because it hurt in the same area all the time. It use to hurt when I drank or ate anything. Now it has been a year and it is only a very slight warm sensation. My question is, how long does it take for a burn like this to heal completely. It has been a year and the doctor said I have acid reflux. But I know it occurred when I was smoking for the short period. I have had heartburn and I am on omeperzole I have tried all sorts of medications with no sucess of healing completely. I notice i more when I eat bananas or apples. This is really strange because these are the foods the doctor suggested for healing. I do drink diet soda and coffee quite a bit. And the feeling is very very slight now but I am wondering if something like this can be healed completely. If I had a stricture or damage would it feel slight or would it be worst?

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About 4 to 5 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.

Injuries like this could heal in about 4 to 5 weeks. Yes, if it was stricture there could have been more symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, depending on the degree of the stricture. The reason behind the persistence of symptoms could be because of continues triggers like using soda and coffee.

I recommend the following.
1) Avoid taking coffee, tea, soda.
2) Keep regular diet habits. Avoid skipping meals.
3) Avoid over eating. Instead take small quantities of food 5 to 6 tomes a day.
4) Avoid smoking and alcohol. Hope you are already under strict control.
5) Take your dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime. Never lie down as soon as you eat something.
6) Keep your head end elevated by 45 deg. while sleeping.
7) Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or rabeprazole.

You will be fine.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (2 hours later)

Ok so if I had a stricture would I have a great amount of pain or just slight pain. Thankyou again.

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Difficulty in swallowing.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
There will be usually difficulty in swallowing. This means not necessarily pain. The food couldn't be passed down.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T